John Hillen, who becomes an operating partner at LLR, served from 2005 to 2007 as assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs, responsible for coordinating America’s diplomatic strategy with its military operations. He also oversaw the State Department’s policies for international security, security assistance, military operations, weapons removal and abatement and defense trade.

Hillen was most recently president and CEO of Sotera Defense Solutions, formerly Global Defense Technology & Systems. Prior to his term as assistant secretary of state, he served as president of CGI Federal, the cleared American subsidiary of Canadian IT firm CGI. Before that he headed the $415 million defense and intelligence business at American Management Systems which was sold to CACI International in 2004.

Prior to his business career, Hillen worked as a military policy expert and served for 12 years as an army officer.

In his role at LLR, Hillen will help evaluate new investment opportunities in the security, defense & government services sectors, as well as support the leadership and strategy development of LLR's existing portfolio companies.

“John is a thought leader within the government contracting industry and a deeply experienced executive. He has executed the same growth strategies and led businesses through the same challenges that our companies face today,” said Dave Stienes, partner at LLR. “John built a sub-$100 million business into a $300 million business, while dramatically diversifying the company and placing it in areas of importance within its government client community. The depth of his operational and industry experience will make John an invaluable advisor, board member and mentor to our portfolio company CEOs.”

LLR Partners invests in middle market growth companies with proven business models in a broad range of industries, including business services, consumer and education, financial services, government services, healthcare services and software and IT services. Currently investing out of its fourth fund, which has $929.6 million in capital commitments, LLR provides capital for growth, recapitalizations and buyouts.

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